Nearly two centuries after the initial intuition, Father Querbes' dream has become a living reality: a community united around two branches, one religious and the other lay. This charism, now carried by the Viatorian Community, constitutes a gift of the Holy Spirit recognized by the Church and offered to men and women of all times.
The Viatorian Community is made up of religious and associates. The latter form a diverse group: men or women, single or married, and permanent deacons or diocesan priests. Together, our communities take on the mission of proclaiming Jesus Christ and his Gospel, accompanying young people and adults in their Christian lives, and celebrating the faith. We offer integral formation—human, intellectual, and spiritual—while fostering vibrant faith communities.
«Go and proclaim the Gospel to the ends of the earth»
From our founding place in Vourles, France, we are now present in sixteen countries across Europe, the Americas, Africa, and the Far East. This ethnic, cultural, and social diversity represents one of our greatest strengths. Faced with the dual challenge of diversity and individualism, we have chosen to respond with fraternal communion.
As faith educators, we work within primary and secondary schools, as well as university institutions. Our ambition is to integrate Christian values into the heart of contemporary cultural reality. In each country where we are active, we prioritize dialogue with cultures and solidarity with peoples. Within our institutions, students, parents, teachers, and staff form one large family.
Father Querbes had foreseen the crucial importance of training catechists and liturgists within parishes. That is why we accomplish our mission in close communion with local Churches. We collaborate in deepening and celebrating the faith in a spirit of harmony, fostering constant dialogue with bishops and pastors.
Father Querbes paid special attention to children and the poor who lacked access to education, particularly Christian education. Faithful to this concern, we dedicate ourselves primarily to the outcasts of our time. We act concretely for peace, social justice, and international solidarity through material, human, and spiritual support.
Rediscovering an «idea dear to Father Louis Querbes,» the General Chapter of 1978 revived the project of «lay catechists» that the founder had been unable to realize due to historical circumstances. From then on, the Congregation opened itself to the association of individuals who, without taking religious vows, commit to sharing its mission, spirituality, and community life.
The 1994 General Chapter took a further step by initiating the experiment of the «Viatorian Community.» This Chapter declared that religious and associates are now «full heirs of the Founder's charism and co-responsible for its development.».
In July 2006, the first International General Assembly drafted the Viatorian Community Charter. In February 2011, the second Assembly in Bogotá revised the Charter. The third Assembly in Guadarrama (2016) recommended official recognition in the Constitution. In 2018, the thirtieth General Chapter proposed an amendment to Article 5 of the Constitution.
From October 18 to 25, 2025, the Fourth General Assembly was held in Valpré, France. The assembly issued a prophetic call inviting all Viatorians to anchor themselves in the Word of God to face contemporary challenges. After more than 20 years of journeying, the experience of the Viatorian Community continues to flourish in this spirit of openness.
